If you’re someone who experiences dry skin, you’re not alone. A 2019 survey found that 60 percent of Americans suffer from “winter skin syndrome” — with over 40 percent suffering from itchy skin.
Dry skin is a common condition, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore it. From cracking to itching, once your skin no longer retains enough moisture, symptoms can become rather uncomfortable.
Although there are many ways to treat dry skin, moisturizers are the most effective. Acting as a barrier between the dry, cold air and your skin, moisturizers will protect and revitalize.
Ready to take back control of your skin health? Here’s what you need to know!
What Causes Dry Skin?
Most often, dry skin is a direct result of changes in temperature and humidity.
Dry skin can occur any time of the year, with some individuals being more susceptible than others. However, the dry months, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere, often lead to red, itchy skin. This is caused by cold air with low humidity levels. Since your epidermis (the outer layer of your skin) adapts to the humidity levels that surround it, water content is lost, and dry skin results.
In contrast, hot climates can increase water loss from your body and when dehydration occurs, your skin can suffer the consequences, feeling both dry and itchy.
Which means everyone will experience dry skin at some point — and when you do, it’s all about moisturization.
What Can You Do About Dry Skin?
Before we talk about how to moisturize your skin, it’s important to highlight the ways in which moisturizers work. The first step towards combating dry skin is to rehydrate the top layer and seal in moisture.
This is achieved through three key ingredients:
- Humectants — These can help attract moisture
- Occlusives — These can help seal in moisture
- Emollients — These can fill cracks in the skin with fatty substances that make your skin smoother and softer
Since emollients can contain a lot of oil, they too can be classified as occlusive agents.
Not all moisturizers are created equal. Those designed to moisturize your skin often contain both water and oil. However, they should not be watery. They should also contain ingredients that help restore and revitalize your skin.
The Best Way To Moisturize Your Skin
Helping your skin stay more hydrated and supple starts with a greater awareness of skin health. Taking the time to educate yourself on the importance of skin hydration, as well as the best product to assist your efforts, can make all the difference.
Here are some tips to help you achieve the healthiest skin possible:
- Before you moisturize, cleanse. Although this will not necessarily add moisture to your skin, this step will help remove impurities. If you’re prone to red, flakey skin, it’s important to keep your skin clean. However, if you suffer from a specific health condition or are concerned about your skin health, it’s important to speak with your dermatologist before trying anything new.
- Add a daily moisturizer to your routine. What moisturizes skin the best includes hydrating ingredients. Quality water-based formulas are great, as well as those that contain oils. It’s also recommended that you look for a lotion that’s easy on sensitive skin, as it will not include harsh ingredients.
Depending on the season, you may need to switch up your approach, as well as the products you use. For example, a quality lotion may be great in the summer, but during the winter months, you may need something a little extra, like All Good Goop or All Good Skin Food.
What Can You Do About Dry Skin Besides Using a Moisturizer?
Moisturizers are your first line of defense. They are also a great proactive solution, minimizing your risk of dry or worsening skin. With that being said, you can also do the following:
- During the winter months, use a humidifier. If you set it to around 60 percent, this will help you naturally retain moisture.
- Avoid long, hot showers. Whether you enjoy a good shower or bath, try to limit your daily bathing time to 5 or 10 minutes. When you bathe too often or use extremely hot water, you can wash away natural oils that help you maintain your skin’s moisture.
- Be mindful of other products you use, including harsh soaps. Products that are heavily perfumed or contain alcohol, for example, can significantly impact your skin’s natural oils.
Add complementary products to your skin care collection. For example, in addition to a daily lotion, invest in a quality skin balm or coconut oil.
All Good to the Rescue
At All Good, we create products that are free from nasty chemicals, plant-based, ethical, and reef-friendly! This means that they’re nontoxic, kid-friendly, environmentally safe, and human safe. Hooray!
In addition to our extensive body care line, which includes sunscreens and sanitizers, we have developed a skincare collection that includes lotions, balms, and oils. Made using certified organic, non-GMO, and paraben-free ingredients, you can rest easy knowing you’re doing your skin good!
Learn more about some of our top natural skin ingredients here.
Do you still have questions? Give us a shout! We’d love to help you find the perfect product for your skin. Also, be sure to follow us on Instagram to stay in-the-loop. Happy hydrating!
